The shooting will heighten fears of a campaign of targeted killings in Swat, as in the last four months, two businessmen and outspoken anti-militant campaigners have been shot dead and two others wounded. 

The latest incident took place in the Charbagh area, a former militant stronghold some 10 kilometres (six miles) north of Mingora. 

Police said gunmen opened fire on Tajim Gul late Thursday, in front of a mosque while Sardar Mohammad was gunned down at his home. 

"In both incidents the attackers managed to flee. We have registered a case against the unknown attackers," Liaqat Ali, an official in Charbagh police station told AFP. 

Daidar Ghani, another police official, confirmed the incident. 

Mohammad's five-year-old son was injured in the shooting 

Residents said both victims were members of local peace committee and they blamed militants for the killing.